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 Washington State Divorce Laws

(253) 627-2828



Washington State's Divorce Laws.
Washington State's divorce laws and statutes are complex.  They are often difficult to understand and interpret.  It is also important to understand that in many situations, they are often only guidelines. 

Our Pierce County judges have wide discretion in implementing them and rendering rulings.  Often, two commissioners or judges will look at the exact same set of facts but reach two entirely different conclusions.  This is the nature of family law.

It is also important to understand that Pierce County has its own set of local family law rules.  Knowing and understanding these local rules is critical to successfully resolving divorce cases.  We are Tacoma divorce and family law attorneys who serve all of Pierce County.  We're here to help you understand how Washington State's divorce laws and Pierce County's local rules are implemented.

If you have questions about spousal support, child support, child custody, property division, or other issues regarding divorce, we can assist you in understanding your legal rights and invite you to call for a free phone consultation.

Washington State's Divorce Statutes

The Revised Code of Washington (RCW)
The primary source of Washington State's divorce law is detailed in our state statutes.  Nearly all of the most relevant statutes can be found in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and are located within Chapter 26. 

RCW 26.09 contains many of the statutes that are directly related to divorcing spouses here in Washington.

As discussed and detailed throughout various pages on our site, Washington's statutes governing divorce and family law provide more guidance than certainty when it comes to understanding and predicting how a judge will interpret a particular set of facts. It is, therefore, critical to not only understand how the statutes work together but how they have been previously interpreted by Washington state's courts.

The Washington State Bar Association has compiled an excellent summary of many of the procedural aspects of legally divorcing here in Washington State, and it is highly recommended reading.

Article on Divorce in Washington State

If you are contemplating a divorce or family law action, it is important to understand how the statutes below will relate to the specific facts and circumstances of your case.   We can help.  If you are reviewing them on your own, however, they will provide some guidance as to how a judge should begin his or her analysis of your case.

If you have additional questions about the application of Title 26 to your specific situation, please call our offices for a free phone consultation.  We will be happy to discuss your case and provide you with an initial assessment.

For your convenience, links to the most important portions of Washington State's divorce laws are provided below.  Please be advised, however, that reviewing these statutes is no substitute for seeking the advice of an experienced Washington State divorce and family law attorney.


Title 26 RCW

Domestic relations


Chapters

26.04Marriage.
26.09Dissolution of marriage -- Legal separation.
26.10Nonparental actions for child custody.
26.12Family court.
26.16Husband and wife -- Rights and liabilities -- Community property.
26.18Child support enforcement.
26.19Child support schedule.
26.20Family abandonment or nonsupport.
26.21AUniform interstate family support act.
26.23State support registry.
26.25Cooperative child support services -- Indian tribes.
26.26Uniform parentage act.
26.27Uniform child custody jurisdiction act.
26.28Age of majority.
26.30Uniform minor student capacity to borrow act.
26.33Adoption.
26.34Interstate compact on placement of children.
26.40Handicapped children.
26.44Abuse of children.
26.50Domestic violence prevention.
26.52Foreign protection order full faith and credit act.
26.60State registered domestic partnerships.

Call (253) 627-2828 now to learn more about your legal rights and options.